Hope

There is nothing wrong with being successful, just don't forget your history or where you come from. I have achieved a certain degree of success myself during my lifetime, oh I'm not rich by any means, but I have came a long long long way from where I started. The neighborhood where I grew up is rampant with poverty, drug abuse, alcoholism, and very few dreams. Every time I go home I make a point to drive through the old neighbor hood and honestly feel very grateful for who I am today, especially when I see the hollow eyed glances from the people who still live there, I see a sort of curiosity on their faces, and maybe a glimpse or two of recognition. My heart is always heavy as I drive away, kind of as if I in some way am taking the burdens there with me. Oh how I wish I could or at least leave some kind of hope behind me.

Some people believe we all choose our destiny and I am not really sure about that. They form judgements believing people are complacent to live in poverty and enjoy all the perks of being poor, welfare checks to buy drugs and alcohol, free places to live, free medical care, and in their minds the list of freebe's go on and on. Maybe our society has created a segment of underclass, especially when schools in these poor area's don't get the funding needed to feed young minds, or give hope to these children. If only people could have the same fervor in saving and supporting children who are born as much as they do the unborn. There is neighborhood after neighborhood in our country where children are living in desparation and continuing the cycle of poverty without dreams of a better life, only just surviving.

Maybe some people are content with such lives and if so then why? I can't believe anyone would choose to worry every month if they are going to have enough to eat, that is a ludicous assumption. Maybe they don't know how to lift themselves up or have a strong enough mindset, not all of us are intilectually equal. Could be the lack of equal education.

I'm not making excuses for people's bad behavior or addictions, however I refuse to judge them, or maybe I have an understanding because I have been where they are, poor, drug addicted, confused, and without dreams. I am one of the lucky ones!